What is ayurveda?
Ayurveda, the ancient healing system originating from the Himalayan region, offers a holistic approach to health and wellness. Ayurveda translates to the "science of life" and at its core are the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—believed to compose the universe, including the human body. Within Ayurveda, individuals are seen as unique combinations of these elements, resulting in three fundamental energies or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Vata embodies the elements of air and ether, governing movement and communication. Pitta, associated with mostly fire and some water, regulates metabolism, digestion, and cellular transformation. Kapha, formed from earth and water, governs lubrication, stability and structure.
A core Ayurvedic philosophy is the concept of food as medicine. The Ayurvedic diet is tailored to balance an individual's doshic constitution, promoting harmony and well-being. Alongside nutrition, Ayurveda utilizes herbal and spice remedies derived from plants and natural sources, believed to restore balance and alleviate ailments.
Panchakarma stands as one of Ayurveda's most profound therapies, offering a comprehensive cleansing and purification procedure. This ancient detoxification method aims to rid the body of toxins, heavy metals, and free radicals to restore optimal health through a series of therapies tailored to an individual's unique needs.
At the heart of Ayurveda lies the recognition and role of the Self, also referred to as the nonphysical body, soul, or atma. The Self is the essence of our Being that transcends the physical body and connects us to the universe and all things. Ayurveda emphasizes the intricate interplay between mind, body, and spirit, acknowledging their profound influence on one another. By nurturing a harmonious mind-body connection, Ayurveda fosters the expansion of consciousness, recognizing it as the foundation of true health, happiness and vitality. Through practices that promote self-awareness, mindfulness, and inner balance, Ayurveda invites individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and holistic healing, ultimately leading to a life of greater alignment, purpose, and well-being.
Ayurveda provides a pathway to wellness that respects the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, offering ancient wisdom for modern living.
Integrative Ayurveda is a modern approach that combines the principles and practices of Ayurveda with conventional medical techniques and other holistic therapies. It seeks to integrate the best of both worlds, drawing upon the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and the advancements of Western medicine to provide comprehensive and personalized healthcare solutions.
Integrative Ayurveda recognizes the individuality of each person's health needs and aims to address them holistically, taking into account not only physical symptoms but also mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By combining traditional Ayurvedic treatments with modern interventions and therapies, Integrative Ayurveda offers a holistic and personalized approach to health and wellness, tailored to each individual's unique constitution and circumstances.
"When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.”
Ayurvedic Proverb
Dr. trisha swift dnp, mS-Mavim, rn
Trisha Swift is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and holds a Master’s degree in Maharishi Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine. She is the CEO of Mula Integrative Health & Wellness, an Integrative Ayurveda practice specializing in Ayurvedic consultations, wellness planning, rejuvenation retreats, and work place wellness. Concurrently, she serves as a board member on the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission, providing regulatory accreditation to Ayurvedic academic programs across the nation.
Dr. Trisha spent over 20 years working in conventional healthcare, serving in a variety of roles ranging from a bedside nurse and quality professional to technology executive and management consulting advisor. Her career encompasses guiding Fortune 500 healthcare companies, health systems, and health insurers through technology investments, tech-enabled care, clinical strategy, and business transformation.
Being an advocate for integrating traditional and complementary medicine into mainstream business models, Dr. Trisha spearheads initiatives and thought leadership on health equity, disease prevention, and food as medicine. Her dedication to making a positive impact on the holistic health of our nation is what drives her passion for Integrative Ayurveda, and ultimately motivated her to open Mula Integrative Health & Wellness.
Dr. Trisha's clinical specialties are detoxification, rejuvenation, and brain health. Along side this, she features her own line of personalized spice mixes, medicinal teas, oil infusions, and artisanal Ayurvedic soap.
As a clinician and executive, Dr. Trisha brings first hand knowledge into the challenges of the overpriced, cumbersome, and error prone sick-care system. Her journey has revealed a profound need to authentically re-define healthcare away from reactive, un-personalized and poorly coordinated services towards a more value driven, proactive, and preventative approach to holistic wellbeing.
